Wall decoration in the offering hall of the chapel of Hatshepsut at the temple of Hatshepsut, Deir el-Bahri site. Necropolis of Thebes, Egypt

"The offering hall of the Chapel of Hatshepsut had been the most impressive room in the entire temple due to its exceptionally rich decoration. A torus run all around the upper border of the walls. The Hall of Offerings had been covered by a vaulted roof. The western wall of the hall was decorated with a large granite false-door which, however, does not show anymore its original decoration. The lateral walls were decorated from bottom to top with a procession of noblemen and priests carrying offerings, above the procession there were three registers full with offerings. On both lateral walls the Iun-mut-ef-priest was officiating the ceremonies. Furthermore, the walls showed excerpts of the Pyramid Texts to ensure the supply with goods and to protect the deceased in the afterworld." [Dr. Karl H. Leser (Iufaa)]. "Ancient Thebes spanned the Nile River. The east bank is the site of modern Luxor and El Karnak, and was formerly the city of the living, with great temples and residences. On the west bank was the city of the dead, the "Necropolis of Thebes," containing the valleys of the royal tombs, royal mortuary temples, and the houses of priests and workers devoted to the dead." [The J.P.Getty Fund: Thesaurus of Geographic Names]. This photograph was taken when Eliot Elisofon was working on "The Nile" project and traveled to Africa from March 14, 1961 to March 31, 1961, visiting Egypt.